The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City celebrated business, investment, community, leadership and 25 years of economic development at its Silver Anniversary Gala & Business Investment Awards at the Blue Chip Hotel & Casino.
“What a wonderful way to mark 25 years – recognizing the companies that continue to invest here, businesses hitting special milestones and community leaders who dedicate their time, energy and effort to making our city a dynamic place to be,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse.
As the annual awards had been delayed, the team recognized honorees from 2018 through today. Among the awards given were milestone awards that recognize businesses that have been in the city from 10 to 100 years, which includes Blocksom & Co., Midtown Barbers, Peters & Marske, and Tonn and Blank Construction. Investment Awards were handed out to companies that have provided valuable contributions to Michigan City’s economic development.
“Continued investment in our city is essential to cultivating a community where businesses want to plant roots and stay,” Hulse said. “Our Projects of the Year awards highlight significant projects that have impacted our economic development, and our Phoenix Awards honor three spots that have been transformed and truly turned an historic area into an energetic new spot.”
GAF and Franciscan Health Michigan City are the 2018 projects of the year, Sullair LLC – a Hitachi Group and Blue Chip Hotel, Casino are the 2019 honorees, Hearthside food Solutions is for 2020 and Aquagenics Technology for 2021. Zorn Brew Works, Barrelhouse at Zorn and Leeds Public House received the Phoenix Awards.
Two individuals were recognized with Leadership Awards for Economic Development: environmental steward Nora Ryszka, and Michigan City Police Chief Dion Campbell. Six community members were also surprised with Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Awards for Economic Development. These honorees include: State Rep. Patricia Boy, Horizon Bank CEO Craig Dwight, former EDCMC Board member Bob Schaefer, DAGE-MTI President and former EDCMC Board member Peggy Moore, former Michigan City Mayor and EDCMC creator Sheila Brillson Matias, and former Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie.
“We are indebted to the vision of our creators, including Sheila Brillson Matias who was at the launch of our organization and continues to see how the idea remains vital to our vibrancy. Her work 25 years ago is still felt today,” Hulse said.